Cryptolaemus montrouzieri

Beware the relentless hunter known as the Mealybug Destroyer (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri). This ruthless beetle emerges on the scene to combat mealybug species that threaten crops. With its charming appearance disguising its predatory prowess, this formidable insect unleashes its powerful chewing mouthparts to annihilate mealybug populations, leaving no room for these pests to hide.

During its two-month lifespan, an adult Mealybug Destroyer can consume up to 60 mealybugs per day, effectively eliminating hundreds of these pests. For decades, grape, citrus, and various crop growers have relied on the predatory prowess of this remarkable insect.

Both the larval and adult stages of the Mealybug Destroyer exhibit exceptional predatory capabilities and are readily available for purchase from commercial insectaries.

While the larvae excel at targeting mealybug hot spots, the highly mobile adults possess the remarkable ability to “smell” their prey and strategically lay eggs near mealybug colonies in the field. This unique trait ensures that mealybugs can no longer hide, as the hatched Cryptolaemus montrouzieri larvae will have a ready supply of food within close proximity.

What Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, aka the “mealybug destroyer”, prefers to kill”:

Cryptolaemus montrouzieri is a formidable predator of several types of mealybugs, including grape mealybugs, vine mealybugs, and citrus mealybugs.

Cryptolaemus montrouzieri‘s preferred environmental conditions:

Effective temperature range for activity is between 60-90°F, however, the ideal temperature range for optimal performance is between 69-82°F and a relative humidity of 70% or higher